Dunlop hungry for more North West success

Michael Dunlop tests his Milwaukee Yamaha R1 Superbike at Kirkistown today ahead of next week's North West 200.
PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON — Michael Dunlop tests his Milwaukee Yamaha R1 Superbike at Kirkistown today ahead of next week's North West 200. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON

The Ballymoney man will be one of the hot favourites on the north coast this week and he is hungry for more success.

“I love winning and the buzz I get from it; I’m passionate about it, for me is all about winning,” said Dunlop.

“I’m feeling fit and strong and hungry as ever and I’m ready to do my job. I do my stuff on the track and I work hard at it. When you’re out there riding your own motorbike at your best and it’s all going well, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

The 25-year-old opted for Yamaha as his weapon of choice this year and has given the R1 a big thumbs-up.

“I was really impressed with the R1 ’stock bike in Spain,” said Dunlop.

“It looks quite tiny and small but when you get on it, it feels big. We turned the key and away we went and we were able to do whatever we wanted to do with the bike.

“I felt comfortable on it and the bike went where I wanted it to; I’m really looking forward to the Superbike now.”

Dunlop is taking on a similar task to the one he faced last year, when his shock move to BMW to ride the S1000RR left some questioning the logic behind his decision. However, victories in the main Superbike and Superstock races at the North West 200 and a clean sweep of the 1000cc races at the TT vindicated his choice.

“It’s a bit like last year and the new R1 is something different again. I don’t make life easy for myself and I went with Honda, then BMW and now Yamaha – I’m keen to prove I can ride motorbikes,” Dunlop added.

“No-one wanted the BMW last year, but now everyone wants one.”

Roads are scheduled to close today (Tuesday) for first practice at the 8.9-mile Triangle course from 9.15am-2.45pm.

The first three races will be held following final qualifying on Thursday evening with the opening Supersport, Supertwin and Superstock events, with roads closing again from 5.15pm-9pm.

Saturday’s main race bill includes both Superbike races, plus the final Supersport, Superstock and Supertwin races, with roads closing at 9.30am sharp.

BBC NI will show a special preview programme next Friday evening at 10.40pm with two highlights programmes scheduled for Sunday, May 17 at 10.25pm and Monday, May 18 at 10.45pm.